India harbors a most lucrative financial market. My tryst with the mortgage business taught me that in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, nearly 70% of the population still lacks sound knowledge about finances, and depends on traditional banking systems. I want to design, develop and market easy-to-access financial products for this audience. This is both my short-term and long-term goal, and I believe that ISB will empower me to achieve this ambitious milestone.
Post PGP from ISB, I envision myself as a Product Manager – MSME Division, in any financial institution. My plan is to conceive simple lending products that enable micro-entrepreneurship and create local employment opportunities. I want to work closely with the Operations and Tech teams to deliver quick time-to-market goals and product launches, using optimal resources. While aligning with customer service will help me build and maintain a strong customer experience, marketing products directly and via partners will help me target the appropriate benefactors.
Though in my career, I have gained knowledge about different lending techniques, local market practices, risk management methods, negotiations and relationship building strategies, in the long run, I would require strategic thinking and planning, commercial awareness, and the ability to integrate technology into business, to succeed. ISB will help me develop these skills through programs on responsible leadership, organizational management, and decision-making in marketing. Introduction to Fintech, Marketing Strategy, and Product & Service Design, are the subjects I am looking forward to, along with some elective ones.
In ISB, the demographically diverse crowd will widen my perspective, the case-study teaching methodology will help me find real-time solutions to problems, and a powerful 15k+ alumni network will provide me with better business deals and funding prospects. However, learning is not a one-way street. So, I want to contribute to the cohort by enlightening them about the traditional lending industry and the humungous amount of change that technology can bring in making the system more efficient. Also, how FinTech can help in scaling business in Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities. I will empower my team by motivating them to use their strengths, challenging them to think outside the box and pushing them beyond their limits.
Through the time spent in ISB, I want to develop the acumen and skillsets to eventually fulfill my long-term goal of acquiring a senior leadership position in an indigenous banking institution. The big idea is to head their complete lending portfolio!